Five Disqualified Following the Dirt Late Model Dream at Eldora Speedway for Illegal Tire Samples!

Tire samples collected from the #B5 driven by Brandon Sheppard, #22 driven by Gregg Satterlee, #20 driven by Jimmy Owens, #33X driven by Ricky Thornton and #0 driven by Scott Bloomquist and tested by an independent laboratory did not meet established benchmarks in a chemical analysis.

A total of 32 samples were taken throughout the weekend, June 9, 10 and 11, from participants.

All five competitors were found to be in violation of rule 15.11-G and were fined in accordance with rule 11.1.

Rule 15.11-G.) Chemical alterations, vulcanizing, tire softening, defacing and/or altering the face of the tire lettering and/or tire stamping will not be permitted. Chemicals or tire softening is not permitted at any time. Tires may be inspected at any time. Any violation with any tire presented for competition may result in immediate disqualification from the events and/or other penalties including but not limited to; loss of money, fine, loss of points and/or suspension.

All five have been disqualified from the event, including the loss of all purse money and championship points earned during the event, fined $1,000 and penalized 1,000 DIRTcar Late Model points for the 2016 season. The total penalty, including loss of money, fine and the cost of the tire analysis was $19,630 for Sheppard, $4,655 for Satterlee, $7,630 for Owens, $10,930 for Thornton and $6,105 for Bloomquist.

Each has been placed under a three-month suspension from all DIRTcar sanctioned events, which includes World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series competition, beginning June 11, 2016 and concluding Sept. 11, 2016 and will be under probation following the conclusion of the suspension for the remainder of the 2016 season.

For more information on DIRTcar Racing and all DIRTcar UMP-sanctioned divisions, visit DIRTcar.com. For more information on Eldora Speedway, visit EldoraSpeedway.com.

175 comments

I’ll tell you all my son did not knowingly cheat his tires I don’t no what’s going on but a couple of years ago when a lot of racers where using tire dope that I tried to get Brandon to let me buy him some tire dope he said to me dad if I have to cheat I’ll quit racing so in my heart I no my son did not cheat I’m sorry for all his fans he’s a great person and again bshepp is not a cheater he’s a bad ass race car driver and this ain’t over yet

To have 5 guys get nail just makes wonder if something is in a particular brand of cleaner or something to that nature? Just seems odd that many get busted.
And Stevie, don’t let the things you see on social media get to ya.
Real life is what counts!
He’ll be fine in the long run.

Something fishy here. I find it hard to believe that any one of them would intentionally try and doctor their tires and three of them are top Lucas contenders that frequent WoO races including the Dirt classic and USA nationals.

Its too bad that people are quick to judge without knowing all facts. Its also too bad that racing is losing its luster. Do this kind of crap to some honest racers and you will lose respect, fans and attendance at races which is already suffering. Brandon Sheppard is an honest man, and comes from generations of race car drivers. He would never knowingly put his career at risk from cheating.

Maybe its time to hire your own professional and back it up with a lawyer and if its not true and these racers are innocent, they need to pay them the money plus money for the inconvenience of being accused. Im up for major contribution towards that.

It’s funny how everyone what RULES to be enforced BUT as soon a series stands up and enforces them people start blaming the series and standing up for the ones that got caught. I don’t think this is the 1st offense for 2/3 of
them. Good job for the series to stand up and enforce the rules No matter who the name is. Yes the will deny and say I didn’t do it . But the LAB says otherwise . The world will be a huge success just be minus 5 cars.